Program Overview
Introduction to the Geosciences B.S./M.S. Program
The Geosciences B.S./M.S. program at Georgia State University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in geosciences, allowing them to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
Program Overview
The program offers concentrations in geology, environmental geosciences, geography, and urban studies at the bachelor's level, and in geography, geology, and water sciences at the master's level. Students can choose from a wide range of areas of study to match their interests and career goals.
Program Details
- Admissions Requirements: Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 to be eligible for the dual-degree program.
- Curriculum: The program includes a diverse range of courses in geosciences, including graduate-level courses that count toward both the bachelor's and master's degrees.
- Tuition: Students pay the undergraduate tuition rate while completing graduate coursework as part of the dual-degree program.
- Goals and Outcomes: The program aims to provide students with a strong foundation in qualitative and quantitative skills, preparing them for careers in a wide range of fields.
Program Progression
- Submit the dual-degree program application and receive confirmation of acceptance.
- Meet with the program director each semester to select courses and complete the Graduate Course Approval Form.
- Apply to graduate from the B.S. portion of the program and to the M.S. portion of the program in the final year of undergraduate study.
- Engage with a faculty mentor and complete graduate coursework upon matriculating in the M.S. program.
- Apply to graduate from the M.S. portion of the program in the final semester.
Benefits of the Dual-Degree Program
- Waiving of the GRE requirement and graduate admission application fee.
- Ability to compete for Graduate Assistantships with tuition waivers for graduate program enrollment.
- Two courses count toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees (double credits).
Research Areas
The Department of Geosciences includes a diverse faculty of scholars from the disciplines of geography, geology, and hydrology. Research clusters in the department investigate pressing urban environmental issues, including:
- Water governance and quality.
- Climate change.
- Geochemical processes.
- Geographical information systems and informatics.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Geosciences B.S./M.S. program can pursue careers in a wide range of fields, including:
- Conservation.
- Cartography.
- City and regional planning.
- Environmental consulting.
- Energy industry positions.
- Mining.
- Licensed professional geology.
- Water resources management.
- GIS technology.
- Government agency management.
- Non-profit sector positions.
- Education.
Description of the Program
The Geosciences B.S./M.S. program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in geosciences, preparing them for careers in a wide range of fields. The program offers a range of concentrations and research areas, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals.
How to Register for Graduate Courses
- Meet with the academic advisor to discuss graduation plans and review remaining degree requirements.
- Meet with the dual-degree faculty coordinator to discuss progression in the dual-degree program and graduate course enrollment options.
- Fill out the Graduate Course Approval Form and email it to the program director.
- Register for the graduate course once authorization is received.